Visiting Research Students

Domestic and international candidates enrolled at National and International Universities can visit UNSW to conduct short-term research as part of their research program. Short-term research visits promote research collaboration with other institutions and allow students to gain research experience at UNSW. Whilst conducting research at UNSW, visiting candidates have access to an appropriate supervisor, services, library, campus amenities and liability insurance whilst on UNSW premises. Guidelines and application procedures differ for domestic and international students.

Domestic Postgraduate Research Candidates

Only candidates enrolled at an Australian University are eligible for consideration. Visiting research candidates must continue to be enrolled at their home University to be eligible for a short research visit. Visiting postgraduate researchers are not liable for UNSW student fees (but may be liable for fees at their home institution).

Application Procedures

A visiting research student application form (word version, pdf version) must be endorsed by the appropriate Head of School and submitted to the Graduate Research School for approval by the Dean of Graduate Research. This application must be lodged with an application for miscellaneous user ID and internet access for non-UNSW staff members, a full curriculum vitae, proof of current enrolment, and a written endorsement of the proposed short-term stay at UNSW by the institution where the student is currently enrolled. The OSA02 Online Services Access form must also be completed, and approved by the Head of School or Unit Manager. This should also be attached to the visiting research student application form, and is required to provision IT services.

Policy and Procedure

• Short-term stays will be approved for periods of up to three months or less unless there are specific circumstances to justify a longer appointment.

• Applicants must be judged to be competent in their masters or doctoral study and be undertaking study in fields relevant to the research interests of UNSW.

• An application must be submitted on the Visiting Research Student application form.

• The ownership of any Intellectual Property arising from the work must be addressed.

• A UNSW supervisor must be identified.

• The institution where the student is currently enrolled must provide written endorsement of the proposed short-term stay at UNSW.

International Postgraduate Research Students (Practicum Student Program)

The Professional Practicum Program is designed for students from overseas universities who wish to come to UNSW to obtain research experience or professional/industrial practice. This professional Practicum is for a limited period (usually between two and six months) and may be a formal requirement for the award of a degree at the student's home university. This is a full-time, non-award research program and participants are liable for an application fee. The program enables Practicum students to obtain a Student Visa from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

The International Exchange Program is responsible for administering the Professional Practicum Program. For information on guidelines, application procedures and forms, language and academic requirements, fee schedule, enrolment and contact details, please visit the Professional Practicum Student Program webpage.

Endeavour Postgraduate Research Fellowships

The Commonwealth Government’s Endeavour Postgraduate Research Fellowships enable international students to seek academic affiliation with an Australian institution for a period of four to six months for study and/or research in their chosen field.

For staff wishing to know more about this program please contact Tatjana Kroll in Student Development (International) by email at t [dot] kroll [at] unsw [dot] edu [dot] au or by telephone on 93855338.